Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is set to take his renowned restaurant empire to new heights by merging his UK and US operations into a unified global business. This strategic move is made possible through a fresh partnership with US-based private equity firm Lion Capital, marking a significant milestone in Ramsay’s long-standing global expansion. The new venture, which is based on a 50-50 joint ownership structure, will allow Ramsay and Lion Capital to capitalize on their successful collaboration that began in 2019.
In a groundbreaking deal that builds upon their previous partnership, Lion Capital is injecting additional investment into Ramsay’s international business, providing a fresh wave of capital that will fuel further growth. Advisers from Rothschild & Co played an essential role in structuring this latest transaction, which will see the creation of a central board based in London. This new structure signals a more centralized approach to managing the growing global presence of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, enabling the business to streamline its operations and focus on expanding its global footprint.
Founded in 1998, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants is a formidable force in the global culinary scene. The brand spans 34 establishments across the UK and 32 sites in the US, with an impressive portfolio that also includes 22 venues across China, South Korea, Malaysia, France, Dubai, Singapore, and Thailand. The range of dining experiences under the Gordon Ramsay name is as diverse as it is luxurious, encompassing everything from Michelin-starred fine dining destinations to casual pizza joints and burger outlets. In total, Ramsay’s restaurant empire employs over 1,800 people, with 1,100 staff members in the UK and 750 in the US. The business saw impressive global sales of $500.8 million last year, highlighting its significant presence in the global hospitality industry.
The announcement of this deal has generated excitement across the culinary world, as Ramsay’s passion for creating exceptional dining experiences continues to resonate with global audiences. In a statement, Ramsay expressed his enthusiasm for this next phase of growth, stating: “This is an exciting new chapter for our business, building on over five years of collaboration with Lion Capital. Together, and with the support of a brilliant team, we are poised to grow our international reach, create new partnerships, and bring exceptional dining experiences to more people around the world.”
One of the key highlights of Ramsay’s ongoing expansion is his latest project in the heart of London. The chef recently unveiled plans for a sprawling and innovative dining experience at 22 Bishopsgate, a landmark location in central London. Spanning an impressive 25,000 square feet across four floors, the new venture will create more than 250 jobs and feature five distinct culinary concepts. Among the offerings will be a late-night terrace bar, an Asian-inspired restaurant called ‘Lucky Cat’, and one of Ramsay’s signature Bread Street Kitchen outlets. This ambitious project is set to redefine the London dining scene and serve as a flagship for the future of Ramsay’s UK operations.
Ramsay’s partnership with Lion Capital was first established in 2019, when the private equity firm took a 50% stake in Ramsay’s North American restaurant portfolio. At the time, Lion Capital also committed $100 million to open 100 new restaurant locations across the US over the following five years. This latest move to consolidate all international operations into a single unified entity signals an even more ambitious growth trajectory for the celebrity chef’s restaurant business.
With the global restaurant industry recovering from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramsay and Lion Capital are well-positioned to seize new opportunities in key markets around the world. The consolidation of their international interests is expected to provide greater flexibility for expansion and innovation, allowing Ramsay to bring his unique brand of culinary excellence to even more locations across the globe.
As Ramsay continues to expand his empire, both in terms of the number of restaurants and the diversity of his culinary offerings, this new chapter with Lion Capital sets the stage for an exciting future. Whether through groundbreaking new dining concepts or continuing to elevate his renowned Michelin-starred venues, Gordon Ramsay’s name is synonymous with world-class dining. And with this latest deal, his restaurant empire looks poised to thrive for years to come.
